Assembly and method for cryo-preservation of specimens in a cryogen-free environment

Abstract

A cold cryostorage assembly includes a storage chamber in which specimens can be cryo-preserved. Specimen samples are stored in a vacuum so as to minimize the risk of sample contamination. The specimen samples can be cooled and warmed at adjustable controlled rates which best suit the specimen samples in question. The storage chamber can be cooled to temperatures as low as −269° C. without the use of a cryogen that contacts the specimen sample containers. The specimens can be inserted into and / or removed from the storage chamber at individually programmed variable rates by means of an automated specimen-handling component of the assembly. The specimen handling component of the assembly can be operated by remote control, or even over the internet. The storage chamber is evacuated, and in any case, it does not involve the use of a cryogen in direct contact with sample containers in the storage chamber. The cryogen is contained inside of closed heat exchangers that are disposed in the storage chamber.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 548,611, filed Mar. 1, 2004.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to an assembly and method for cryogenically preserving specimens at temperatures as low as 4K (−269° C.) without immersing the specimen samples directly in a liquid or a gaseous cryogen. The assembly includes a specimen insertion and retrieval system which can be operated by remote control.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Biological specimens such as blood, sperm, ova, embryos, nucleotide strands and enzymes, multi cellular specimens such as skin, and the like, are conventionally stored in racks or trays which are placed in a cryogenically cooled chamber either manually or robotically. The specimens or samples are themselves placed in ampules or vials which are then placed on the racks or trays that are immersed in the cryogenic liquid or vapor. The ampules and / or vials are typically provided with color coded dosures that can be manually coded by using an ink mark...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an automated cryogenic freezer assembly that can operate at very low temperatures. It uses a closed cycle thermomechanical refrigeration system and is designed to provide a stable and reliable storage environment for specimens. The assembly includes redundant cryogen compressors for increased reliability, a vacuum-sealed cryochamber for zero humidity, and a self-contained supply of cryogen that does not require replenishment. The assembly can also include a single-stage or multi-stage cooler system for achieving the desired temperature. The technical effects of this invention include improved reliability, reduced fluctuations in storage temperatures, and efficient cooling and heating of specimens."

Problems solved by technology

Multi staging of at least two heat exchangers would be preferred, however, the two stages can be integrated within a single cooler so that there would be negligible complexity in including the two cryogenic stages in a single cooler.

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